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The Fused Table

Ingredient guides

Ghanaian Ingredient Guides

Short, friendly explainers. What it is, what it tastes like, what to use instead.

Shito

A spicy Ghanaian pepper sauce.

Tastes like
Smoky, savory and hot, with dried fish or shrimp depth.
How Esi uses it
As a glaze base, stirred into oil for pasta, or spooned beside rice.
Substitute
Sambal or harissa plus a pinch of smoked paprika.
Where to find it
African grocers, or online in jars.

Used in

Gari

Toasted, grated cassava.

Tastes like
Nutty and slightly sour, with a sandy crunch.
How Esi uses it
Sprinkled over beans for texture, or soaked as a quick cold bowl.
Substitute
Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch only.
Where to find it
African and Caribbean grocers.

Kontomire

Cocoyam leaves, cooked down like greens.

Tastes like
Earthy and mineral, similar to collards or spinach.
How Esi uses it
Stewed with groundnut paste and smoked fish.
Substitute
Spinach, collards or Swiss chard.
Where to find it
Frozen at African grocers.

Groundnut paste

Pure ground peanuts, no sugar added.

Tastes like
Rich, roasted and savory rather than sweet.
How Esi uses it
The base of groundnut soup, or thinned into a sauce for grilled meat.
Substitute
Unsweetened natural peanut butter.
Where to find it
African grocers, or the natural aisle.

Used in

Kelewele spice

A ginger-forward spice blend for fried plantain.

Tastes like
Warm ginger, cayenne heat, a whisper of nutmeg and clove.
How Esi uses it
Tossed with ripe plantain cubes before frying.
Substitute
Ground ginger, cayenne and nutmeg in a 3:1:1 ratio.
Where to find it
African grocers, or mix your own.

Used in

Sobolo

A hibiscus drink steeped with spices and fruit.

Tastes like
Tart and floral, like cranberry with ginger.
How Esi uses it
Served ice cold at every gathering.
Substitute
Hibiscus tea bags, brewed strong.
Where to find it
Dried hibiscus at African, Latin or health grocers.

Used in

Always check ingredient labels yourself. Recipes are suggestions, not medical or allergy advice.